Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 9/11/2008

Question
I had bi lateral hip replacement the first one a year ago. After three days in a row, with walking half mile daily I have to skip a day but have a knee replacement on rt knee, is it normal to have tight knee muscles and mid thigh leg pain off and on, whats that anyway?What causes that wierd pain and yes, Id like to return to normal the second THR is only eight months..why the knee muscles tight, not always painful but tight, any remedy, and Im 65, medium weight not overweight...why does that knee get tight, Ive had xrays they are okay.THANKS

Answer
Hi Susan,  thanks for the question. Depending on when the right knee TKR was completed its not unusal for tightness or some swelling in the thigh to continue up to a year after a joint replacement.

There may be some nild edema or fluid in your thigh muscle giving you the sensation that the muscles are tight. If the hip and knee are not completely healed you will get those "weird sensations" after walking those distances. Also, anytime you have had a joint replacement the mechanic of the joint change putting a new stress and angle onto the joint and the muscles will let you know that as well by causing unexplanied discomfort.

You are smart by giving yourself a day off now and then as the body does need some time to recuperate and tight , fatiqued muscles are a sure sign that they need some time off. They will bounce back stronger if you listen to them.

With X-rays showing everything is lined up and healing properly, its a sure bet that the muscles are getting fatiqued and need more time to get themselves back into shape. The muscles before the surgeries around the hip and knee were getting deconditioned for quite some time due to the pain level and the fact most patients cannot walk alot prior to surgery.
Give it some more time, take a day here and there to rest the problems you are having will clear themselves yp in time.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.
www.totaljointfitness.com